Traveling frame device in conveyor system

ABSTRACT

A track frame assembly to guide the conveyor chain or the like in a conveyor system is provided which includes at least a pair of frame members (A 1 ), coupling block ( 10 ) and track rails (D). The frame member (A 1 ) includes a base plate portion ( 1 ) and a pair of bent plate portions ( 2  and  4 ). The bent plate portions ( 2  and  4 ) have a plurality of cuts ( 5 ) formed therein nearly perpendicularly to the length thereof at predetermined intervals. When the base plate portion ( 1 ) is curbed in the direction of its thickness, the cuts ( 5 ) are deformed and the bent plate portions ( 2  and  4 ) are bent in the direction of their width, so that the frame members can be deformed easily and positively to a desired curved shape. Therefore, the track frame assembly is highly lightweight and rigid, simply configured, easy to produce and suitable for mass production, easy to handle and assemble. Thus the track frame assembly is optimally usable as a curved track portion in the conveyor system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus forguiding a conveyor chain or the like in a conveyor system, which travelssliding thereon, and more particularly to a track frame assemblysuitable for use as a curved track portion in a conveyor system.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In the track frame assembly of the above type, the frame memberis formed from iron or stainless steel. The frame member is formed bybending a steel plate, for example, of a suitable thickness and properlength by a press or bender to make a simple long structure, andconnecting a plurality of such structures to each other, for example.The conventional frame members include also a one made of aluminum bythe extrusion molding by which the frame member can be formed to haveany complicated shape as desired.

[0003] The curved track portion of the track frame assembly is formed bydeforming a frame member to a desired curved shape.

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional track frame assembly,however, it is difficult to deform a frame member easily and accuratelyto a desired curved shape.

[0005] That is, to work a frame member with an appropriate accuracy andassure an appropriate rigidity of the worked frame member, the framemember is made of a thick plate material or bent pieces are formedintegrally with a base plate as a side plate, which makes it difficultto deform the frame member to a desired curved shape.

[0006] Also, in the above conventional track frame assembly, a guidebracket or the like is installed to the base plate as the side plate ofthe frame member with bolts inserted through fixing holes formed in thebase plate. That is, the guide bracket can only be installed to the baseplate in positions corresponding to the fixing holes. Thus, theinstallation of the guide bracket is limited to such a limited place,takes a good amount of time and cannot be efficient.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly, the present invention has an object to overcome theabove-mentioned drawbacks of the conventional art by providing a trackframe assembly whose frame member can be deformed easily and accuratelyto a desired curved shape suitable for use of the frame member as acurved track portion of a conveyor system, and which is easy to handle,lightweight and workable with a high accuracy to have a high rigidity,can be manufactured at low costs, is safe, easy to assemble, simplyconfigured and suitable for mass production and inexpensive.

[0008] The above object can be attained by providing a track frameassembly for guiding a conveyor chain in a conveyor system, the assemblyincluding according to the present invention as set forth in claim 1given later:

[0009] at least a pair of frame members A1;

[0010] a coupling block 10 to couple the pair of frame members A1 toeach other; and

[0011] synthetic resin-made track rails D fitted on each frame member A1and with which the conveyor chain is in sliding contact;

[0012] each of the frame members A1 being formed as a channel having agenerally bracket-shaped section and consisting of an elongated baseplate portion 1 and a pair of elongated bent plate portions 2 and 4joined to opposite longitudinal edges, respectively, of the base plateportion 1 and extending generally perpendicularly to the base plateportion 1;

[0013] each of the bent plate portions 2 and 4 having a plurality ofcuts 5 formed therein generally perpendicularly to the length thereof atpredetermined intervals; and

[0014] the cuts 5 being deformed, and bent plate portions 2 and 4 beingbent in the direction of their width when the base plate portion 1 isbent in the direction of its thickness.

[0015] Since the frame member A1 can be deformed easily and accuratelyto a desired curved shape owing to the above construction, the abovetrack frame assembly according to the present invention is optimallyusable as a curved track portion in a conveyor system. Further, thetrack frame assembly is easy to handle, lightweight and workable with ahigh accuracy to have a high rigidity, can be manufactured at low costs,is safe, easy to assemble, simply configured and suitable for massproduction and inexpensive.

[0016] Further, some or all of the plurality of cuts 5 are covered bythe track rail D, so that the conveyor chain or the like is allowed toslide smoothly on the track frame assembly.

[0017] Also, the above object can be attained by providing a track frameassembly for guiding a conveyor chain in a conveyor system, the assemblyincluding according to the present invention as set forth in claim 2given later:

[0018] at least a pair of frame members A1;

[0019] a coupling block 10 to couple the pair of frame members A1 toeach other; and

[0020] synthetic resin-made track rails D fitted on each frame member A1and with which the conveyor chain is in sliding contact;

[0021] each of the frame members A1 being formed as a channel having agenerally bracket-shaped section and consisting of an elongated baseplate portion 1 and a pair of elongated bent plate portions 2 and 4joined to opposite longitudinal edges, respectively, of the base plateportion 1 and extending generally perpendicularly to the base plateportion 1;

[0022] one (2) of the bent plate portions 2 and 4 having joined to thelateral end thereof an elongated folded plate portion 3 extending towardthe base plate portion 1, and each of the bent plate portions 2 and 4and folded plate portion 3 having a plurality of cuts 5 formed thereingenerally perpendicularly to the length thereof at predeterminedintervals; and

[0023] the cuts 5 being deformed, and bent plate portions 2 and 4 andfolded plate portion 3 being bent in the direction of their width, whenthe base plate portion 1 is bent in the direction of its thickness.

[0024] Since the frame member A1 can be deformed easily and accuratelyto a desired curved shape owing to the above construction, the abovetrack frame assembly according to the present invention is optimallyusable as a curved track portion in a conveyor system. Further, thetrack frame assembly is easy to handle, lightweight and workable with ahigh accuracy to have a high rigidity, can be manufactured at low costs,is safe, easy to assemble, simply configured and suitable for massproduction and inexpensive.

[0025] Further, some or all of the plurality of cuts 5 are covered bythe track rail D, so that the conveyor chain or the like is allowed toslide smoothly on the track frame assembly.

[0026] Also, the above object can be attained by providing a track frameassembly for guiding a conveyor chain in a conveyor system, the assemblyincluding according to the present invention as set forth in claim 3given later:

[0027] at least a pair of frame members A1;

[0028] a coupling block 10 to couple the pair of frame members A1 toeach other;

[0029] synthetic resin-made track rails D fitted on each frame member A1and with which the conveyor chain is in sliding contact; and

[0030] an elongated reinforcing plate 20 pre-bent in the direction ofits width;

[0031] each of the frame members A1 being formed as a channel having agenerally bracket-shaped section and consisting of an elongated baseplate portion 1 and a pair of elongated bent plate portions 2 and 4joined to opposite longitudinal edges, respectively, of the base plateportion 1 and extending generally perpendicularly to the base plateportion 1;

[0032] one (2) of the bent plate portions 2 and 4 having joined to thelateral end thereof an elongated folded plate portion 3 extending towardthe base plate portion 1, and each of the bent plate portions 2 and 4and folded plate portion 3 having a plurality of cuts 5 formed thereingenerally perpendicularly to the length thereof at predeterminedintervals;

[0033] the cuts 5 being deformed, and bent plate portions 2 and 4 andfolded plate portion 3 being bent in the direction of their width, whenthe base plate portion 1 is bent in the direction of its thickness;

[0034] each track rail D being configured for fitting on one (2) of thebent plate portions 2 and 4 and folded plate portion 3 to cover theirlongitudinal edges, and flexible correspondingly to the curved state ofthe bent plate portion 2 and folded plate portion 3; and

[0035] a reinforcing plate 20 pre-bent in the direction of its widthbeing fixed on the other bent plate portion 4.

[0036] Since the frame member A1 can be deformed easily and accuratelyto a desired curved shape owing to the above construction, the abovetrack frame assembly according to the present invention is optimallyusable as a curved track portion in a conveyor system. Further, thetrack frame assembly is easy to handle, lightweight and workable with ahigh accuracy to have a high rigidity, can be manufactured at low costs,is safe, easy to assemble, simply configured and suitable for massproduction and inexpensive.

[0037] More specifically, the track rail D is fitted on the bent plateportion 2 and folded plate portion 3 to cover their longitudinal edgesand flexible correspondingly to the curved state of the bent plateportion 2 and folded plate portion 3. Thus, the cuts 5 in thelongitudinal edges of the bent plate portion 2 and folded plate portion3 can be positively covered by the track rail D, so that the workerattending the conveyor system will not possibly have the hand or fingerinjured by the longitudinal edges of the bent plate portion 2 and foldedplate portion 3. Namely, a high safety can be assured to the workersaround the conveyor system including the track frame assembly accordingto the present invention. The conveyor chain or the like can smoothlyslide on the track rail D.

[0038] In addition, the reinforcing plate 20 pre-bent in the directionof its width and fixed on the other bent plate portion 4 enhances thestrength and rigidity of the bent plate portion 4 and also maintains thecurved state of the bent plate portion 4 positively. Thus, the trackframe assembly can have an improved strength and rigidity and alsomaintain its curved state positively and accurately.

[0039] Also, the above object can be attained by providing a track frameassembly for guiding a conveyor chain in a conveyor system, the assemblyincluding according to the present invention as set forth in claim 4given later:

[0040] a pair of frame members A2;

[0041] a coupling clamp B to couple the pair of frame members A2 to eachother; and

[0042] synthetic resin-made track rails D fitted on each frame member A2and with which the conveyor chain is in sliding contact;

[0043] each of the frame members A2 being formed as a channel having agenerally bracket-shaped section and consisting of an elongated baseplate portion 31 and a pair of elongated bent plate portions 32 joinedto opposite longitudinal edges, respectively, of the base plate portion31 and extending generally perpendicularly to the base plate portion 31;

[0044] the base plate portion 31 having a concavity 36 formedlongitudinally, extending to positions of the bent plate portions 32 andconsisting of a pair of elongated inclined plate portions 38 extendinggradually divergent as they go toward their respective ends and anelongated concavity-bottom plate portion 37 disposed to connect the endsof the pair of inclined plate portions 38;

[0045] each of the bent plate portions 32 having joined to thelongitudinal edge thereof an elongated folded plate portion 33 extendingtoward the base plate portion 31, and a plurality of cuts 35 beingformed at predetermined intervals in, and generally perpendicularly tothe length of, the bent plate portions 32, folded plate portions 33,inclined plate portions 38 and concavity-bottom plate portion 37; and

[0046] the cuts 35 being deformed, bent plate portions 32, folded plateportions 33 and inclined plate portions 38 being bent in the directionof their width, and the concavity-bottom plate portion 37 being bent inthe direction of its thickness, when the base plate portion 31 is bentin the direction of its thickness.

[0047] Since the frame member A2 can be deformed easily and accuratelyto a desired curved shape owing to the above construction, the abovetrack frame assembly according to the present invention is optimallyusable as a curved track portion in a conveyor system. Further, thetrack frame assembly is easy to handle, lightweight and workable with ahigh accuracy to have a high rigidity, can be manufactured at low costs,is safe, easy to assemble, simply configured and suitable for massproduction and inexpensive.

[0048] Also, the above object can be attained by providing a track frameassembly for guiding a conveyor chain in a conveyor system, the assemblyincluding according to the present invention as set forth in claim 5given later:

[0049] a pair of frame members A2;

[0050] a coupling clamp B to couple the pair of frame members A2 to eachother; and

[0051] synthetic resin-made track rails D fitted on each frame member A2and with which the conveyor chain is in sliding contact;

[0052] each of the frame members A2 being formed as a channel having agenerally bracket-shaped section and consisting of an elongated baseplate portion 31 and a pair of elongated bent plate portions 32 joinedto opposite longitudinal edges, respectively, of the base plate portion31 and extending generally perpendicularly to the base plate portion 31;

[0053] the base plate portion 31 having a concavity 36 formedlongitudinally, extending to positions of the bent plate portions 32 andconsisting of a pair of elongated inclined plate portions 38 extendinggradually divergent as they go toward their respective ends and anelongated concavity-bottom plate portion 37 disposed to connect the endsof the pair of inclined plate portions 38;

[0054] each of the bent plate portions 32 having joined to thelongitudinal edge thereof an elongated folded plate portion 33 extendingtoward the base plate portion 31, and a plurality of cuts 35 beingformed at predetermined intervals in, and generally perpendicularly tothe length of, the bent plate portions 32, folded plate portions 33,inclined plate portions 38 and concavity-bottom plate portion 37;

[0055] the cuts 35 being deformed, bent plate portions 32, folded plateportions 33 and inclined plate portions 38 being bent in the directionof their width, and the concavity-bottom plate portion 37 being bent inthe direction of its thickness, when the base plate portion 31 is bentin the direction of its thickness; and

[0056] each track rail D being configured for fitting on the bent plateportion 32 and folded plate portion 33 to cover their longitudinaledges, and flexible correspondingly to the curved state of the bentplate portion 32 and folded plate portion 33.

[0057] Since the frame member A2 can be deformed easily and accuratelyto a desired curved shape owing to the above construction, the abovetrack frame assembly according to the present invention is optimallyusable as a curved track portion in a conveyor system. Further, thetrack frame assembly is easy to handle, lightweight and workable with ahigh accuracy to have a high rigidity, can be manufactured at low costs,is safe, easy to assemble, simply configured and suitable for massproduction and inexpensive.

[0058] More specifically, each track rail D is fitted on the bent plateportion 32 and folded plate portion 33 to cover their longitudinal edgesand flexible correspondingly to the curved state of the bent plateportion 32 and folded plate portion 33. Thus, the cuts 35 in thelongitudinal edges of the bent plate portion 32 and folded plate portion33 can be positively covered by each track rail D, so that the workerattending the conveyor system will not possibly have the hand or fingerinjured by the longitudinal edges of the bent plate portions 32 andfolded plate portion 33. Namely, a high safety can be assured to theworkers around the conveyor system including the track frame assemblyaccording to the present invention. The conveyor chain or the like cansmoothly slide on the track rail D.

[0059] Also the above object can be attained by providing the trackframe assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, as set forth in claim6 given later:

[0060] the coupling clamp B includes a pair of clamps 40 and a fastenerto couple the pair of clamps 50 by attracting them toward each other;and

[0061] each of the clamps 50 has formed at either end thereof anengagement portion 44 to catch each bottom corner of the concavity 36 ofeach of the pair of frame members A2.

[0062] Because of the above construction, the pair of frame members A2can be coupled to each other simply, positively and securely by thecoupling clamps B. The coupling clamps B serve as a space to keepconstant the distance between the pair of frame members A2 whilefastening the latter. Thus, the present invention can provide a trackframe assembly having a high working accuracy. Therefore, the conveyorchain E can easily be fitted to the track frame assembly, and can beprevented by the track frame assembly from displacing laterally.

[0063] These objects and other objects, features, and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments of the present invention whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be notedthat the present invention is not limited to the embodiments but canfreely be modified without departing from the scope and spirit thereofdefined in the claims given later.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064]FIG. 1 is a partially cut-away, exploded perspective view of oneembodiment of the track frame assembly according to the presentinvention.

[0065]FIG. 2 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the track frameassembly in FIG. 1.

[0066]FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away plan view of the track frameassembly in FIG. 1.

[0067]FIG. 4 is a partially cut-away front view of the track frameassembly in FIG. 1.

[0068]FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevation of the track frame assemblyin FIG. 1.

[0069]FIG. 6 is also a fragmentary side elevation of the track frameassembly in FIG. 1.

[0070]FIG. 7 is a partially cut-away, exploded perspective view ofanother embodiment of the track frame assembly according to the presentinvention.

[0071]FIG. 8 is an axial-sectional side elevation of the track frameassembly in FIG. 7.

[0072]FIG. 9 is a fragmentary plan view of the track frame assembly inFIG. 7.

[0073] FIGS. 10(a) to 10(d) are partial sectional views of variants ofthe folded plate portion of the track frame assembly in FIG. 7.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0074] Through FIGS. 1 to 6, a frame member used in the track frameassembly according to the present invention, to hold a conveyor chain Eor the like slidably is indicated with a reference A1.

[0075] The frame member A1 is formed from an appropriately long steelplate, for example. More particularly, the frame member A1 is shaped asa channel having a generally bracket-shaped section and consists of anelongated base plate portion 1 and a pair of elongated bent plateportions 2 and 4 joined to opposite longitudinal edges, respectively, ofthe base plate portion 1 and extending generally perpendicularly to thebase plate portion 1.

[0076] Further, one (2) of the bent plate portions 2 and 4 has joined tothe lateral end thereof an elongated folded plate portion 3 extendingtoward the base plate portion 1, and each of the bent plate portions 2and 4 and folded plate portion 3 has a plurality of cuts 5 formedtherein generally perpendicularly to the length thereof at predeterminedintervals. Thus, when the base plate portion 1 is bent in the directionof its thickness, the cuts 5 are deformed (for example, each of the cuts5 will be narrowed or widened at the free end thereof) and the bentplate portions 2 and 4 and folded plate portion 3 are bent in thedirection of their width.

[0077] That is to say, the cuts 5 are provided to weaken the maximumresistance of the bent plate portions 2 and 4 and folded plate portion 3being bent in the direction of their width when the frame member A1 isbent.

[0078] Note that since the corner where the base plate portion 1 and onebent plate portion 2 are contiguous to each other, a one where the baseplate portion 1 and other bent plate portion 4 are contiguous to eachother, and a one where the bent plate portion 2 and folded plate portion3 are contiguous to each other, are rounded, so they will not injure theworker in handling and installing the frame members. Also, to preventwater or the like from staying at such corners, appropriatethrough-holes may be formed in the corners so that the water or thelike, if any, will not stay there.

[0079] The base plate portion 1 is generally an elongated band plate,for example, and disposed for the surface thereof to be vertical. Itshould be noted that the base plate portion 1 may have the surfacethereof disposed at any selected angle.

[0080] Each of the bent plate portions 2 and 4 in pair is generally anelongated band plate, for example, and they are joined generallyperpendicularly to the longitudinal edges, respectively, of the baseplate portion 1 to be parallel to each other. It should be noted thatthe pair of bent plate portions 2 and 4 may be joined to the base plateportion 1 at any angle other than the right angle and they may not beparallel to each other.

[0081] The folded plate portion 3 is formed narrower than the one bentplate portion 2, and disposed inside the latter. The folded plateportion 3 may be or may not be in close contact with the bent plateportion 2.

[0082] The cuts 5 is formed generally like an elongated “U”, forexample, and extend across the bent plate portions 2 and 4 and foldedplate portion 3. It should be noted that the wider the cut 5 or thesmaller the cut interval, the smaller radius of curvature the framemember A1 can have when bent.

[0083] The reference 10 indicates a coupling block formed from a thickplate having a generally rectangular shape, for example. The couplingblock 10 has formed therein through-holes 11. The frame members A1 inpair are fixed to the upper and lower sides, respectively, of thecoupling block 10 with fixing screws 23 or the like inserted in throughthe through-holes 11.

[0084] That is, as in the illustrated embodiment, four frame members A1are fixed at the ends thereof to the coupling block 10 with one of theframe members A1 in pair being fixed to the upper side of the couplingblock 10 while the other frame member A1 is fixed upside down to thelower side.

[0085] Further, as in the illustrated embodiment, the coupling block 10has a pair of coupling projections 12 joined to the right and left ends,respectively, thereof. As shown, each of the coupling projections 12 hasinternally threaded holes 13 in which set screws 14 are to be screwed.

[0086] Namely, the pair of coupling projections 12 is provided to couplethe coupling block 10 to another frame member of the track frameassembly. For example, it is to be inserted into a concavity 36 of aframe member A2 in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] The reference 15 indicates a reinforcing block formed from agenerally elongated rectangular thick plate. The reinforcing block 15has through-holes 16 formed therein, and the frame members A1 in pairare to be fixed to the upper and lower sides, respectively, of thereinforcing block 15 with fixing screws 23 inserted in the through-holes16.

[0088] That is, as in the illustrated embodiment, four frame members A1are fixed at the intermediate portions thereof to the reinforcing block15 with one of the frame members A1 in pair being fixed to the upperside of the reinforcing block 15 while the other frame member A1 isfixed upside down to the lower side.

[0089] Note that an appropriate internally threaded hole may bepreformed in each of the lateral end faces of the reinforcing block 15for installation of a guide bracket, sensor or the like with a fixingscrew.

[0090] Also, a guide bracket, sensor or the like may be installed in adesired position in the space between the upper pair of frame members A1and lower pair of frame members A1 with a generally C-shaped fixtureextending the upper pair of frame members A1 and lower pair of framemembers A1 and a fixing screw (as shown in FIG. 6).

[0091] The reference 20 indicates a reinforcing plate formed from anelongated circular metal plate bent in the direction of its width inadvance. The reinforcing plate 20 is shaped for use on the inner surfaceof the bent plate portion 4.

[0092] Note that the reinforcing plate 20 has formed in place thereinthrough-holes 21 through which the fixing screws 23 are inserted, andinternally threaded holes 22 in which the fixing screws 23 are screwedto positively maintain the curved state of the bent plate portion 4 andenhance the strength and rigidity of the bent plate portion 4.

[0093] Note that all the internally threaded holes 22 formed in thereinforcing plate 20 may be through-holes like the holes 21 and replacedwith nuts which are to be fitted on the fixing screws 23. The reference24 indicates a washer which prevents the fixing screw 23 from beingloosened.

[0094] The reference D indicates a track rail made of an appropriatesynthetic resin, which is to be attached to the frame member A1 and withwhich the conveyor chain E or the like is in sliding contact. The trackrail D is attached to the frame member A1 to cover the longitudinal freeedges of the bent plate portion 2 and folded plate portion 3. Also, thetrack rail D is flexible correspondingly to the curved state of the bentplate portion 2 and folded plate portion 3 and in contact with theconveyor chain E to assure a smoother sliding of the conveyor chain E onthe track rail D.

[0095] Note here that the following are not limited to theaforementioned and illustrated ones but may be appropriately set andmodified without departing from the scope, defined by claims givenlater, of the present invention:

[0096] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions and material of theframe member A1;

[0097] Concrete construction, shape, angle relative to the base plateportion 1;

[0098] Concrete construction, shape and dimensions of the bent plateportions 2 and 4;

[0099] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions and location of thefolded plate portion 3;

[0100] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, location, interval andnumber of the cuts 5;

[0101] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, location and number ofthe through-holes 6;

[0102] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions and material of thecoupling block 10;

[0103] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, location and number ofthe through-holes 11;

[0104] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, material and locationof the coupling projection 12;

[0105] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, location and number ofthe internally threaded holes 13;

[0106] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, material, and number ofthe set screws 14;

[0107] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, material, number andlocation of the reinforcing blocks 15;

[0108] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, location and number ofthrough-holes 16;

[0109] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, and material of thereinforcing plate 20;

[0110] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, location and number ofthe through-holes 21;

[0111] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, location and number ofthe internally threaded holes 22;

[0112] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, and material of thefixing screw 23;

[0113] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, and material of thewashers 24; and

[0114] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, and material of thetrack rail D.

[0115] FIGS. 7 to 9 shows another embodiment of the track frame assemblyaccording to the present invention. The second embodiment of the trackframe assembly includes a pair of metallic frame members A2, a suitablenumber of coupling clamps B to couple the pair of frame members A2together to be parallel and opposite to each other, and track rails Dattached to the frame members A2.

[0116] Each of the coupling clamps B includes a pair of clamp bodies 40and a fastener to couple the pair of clamp bodies 40 and fasten themtoward each other. Each of the clamp bodies 40 in pair has provided ateither free end thereof an engagement portion 44 shaped to catch eachbottom corner of a concavity 36 of each of the frame members A2 in pair.

[0117] The frame member A2 used in this embodiment of the track frameassembly is formed from an appropriately long steel plate, for example.More specifically, it is formed as a channel consisting of an elongatedbase plate portion 31 and a pair of elongated bent plate portions 32joined to opposite longitudinal edges, respectively, of the base plateportion 31 and extending generally perpendicularly to the base plateportion 31. The base plate portion 31 has a concavity 36 formedlongitudinally and extending to positions of the bent plate portions 32and consisting of a pair of elongated inclined plate portions 38extending gradually divergent as they go toward their respective endsand an elongated concavity-bottom plate portion 37 disposed to connectthe ends of the pair of inclined plate portions 38.

[0118] Further, each of the bent plate portions 32 has joined to thelongitudinal edge thereof an elongated folded plate portion 33 extendingtoward the base plate portion 31.

[0119] A plurality of cuts 35 is formed at predetermined intervals in,and generally perpendicularly to the length of, the bent plate portions32, folded plate portions 33, inclined plate portions 38 andconcavity-bottom plate portion 37. When the base plate portion 31 isbent in the direction of its thickness, the cuts 35 are deformed (forexample, each of the cuts 35 will be narrowed or widened at the free endthereof) and bent plate portions 32, folded plate portions 33, inclinedplate portions 38 are bent in the direction of their width and theconcavity-bottom plate portion 37 is bent in the direction of itsthickness.

[0120] That is to say, the cuts 35 are provided to weaken the maximumresistance of the bent plate portions 32, folded plate portion 33,inclined plate portions 38 and the concavity-bottom plate portion 37being bent in the direction of their width when the frame member A2 isbent.

[0121] Note that since the corner where the base plate portion 31 andbent plate portion 32 are contiguous to each other, ones where the baseplate portion 31 and inclined plate portions 38 are contiguous to eachother, a one where the inclined plate portion 38 and concavity-bottomplate portion 37 are contiguous to each other, and a one where the bentplate portion 32 and folded plate portion 33 are contiguous to eachother, are rounded, so they will not injure the worker in handling andinstalling the frame members. Also, to prevent water or the like fromstaying at such corners, appropriate through-holes may be formed in thecorners so that the water or the like, if any, will not stay there.

[0122] The base plate portion 31 is generally an elongated band plate,for example, and disposed for the surface thereof to be vertical. Itshould be noted that the base plate portion 31 may have the surfacethereof disposed at any selected angle.

[0123] Each of the bent plate portions 32 is generally an elongated bandplate, for example, and they are joined generally perpendicularly to thelongitudinal edges, respectively, of the base plate portion 31 to beparallel to each other. It should be noted that the pair of bent plateportions 32 may be joined to the base plate portion 31 at any angleother than the right angle and they may not be parallel to each other.

[0124] The folded plate portion 33 is formed narrower than the bentplate portion 32, and disposed inside the latter. The folded plateportion 33 may be or may not be in close contact with the bent plateportion 32.

[0125] The cuts 35 is formed generally like an elongated “U”, forexample, and extend across the bent plate portions 32, folded plateportion 33, inclined plate portion 38 and concavity-bottom plate portion37.

[0126] It should be noted that the wider the cut 35 or the smaller thecut interval, the smaller radius of curvature the frame member A1 canhave when bent.

[0127] The concavity 36 has an opening of a larger size than a bolt andnut can be introduced. It may be provided in the lateral center of thebase plate portion 31 or a plurality of such concavities may be providedin the direction of the width of the base plate portion 31 atpredetermined intervals (not shown).

[0128] The clamp body 40 of the coupling clamp B consists of arectangular base plate portion 41 having a through-hole 43 formed in thecenter thereof, and a pair of rising plate portions 42 joined to thelateral ends of the base plate portion 41. Each of the rising plateportions 42 in pair has formed at either end thereof an engagementportion 44 which can be engaged on the bottom corner of the concavity36. The engagement portion 44 has an inclined edge 44 a which abuts theinclined plate portion 38, and a free end 44 b which abuts the baseplate portion 31.

[0129] Namely, when the fastener penetrated through the pair of clampbodies 40 is tightened, the inclined plate portions 44 a of theengagement portions 44 force the pair of inclined plate portions 43 b(of the concavity 36) of the frame member A2 while moving the pair offrame members A2 toward each other until the base plate portions 31 abutfree ends 44 b of the engagement portions 44. Thus, the pair of framemembers A2 is spaced a predetermined distance (length of the clamp body40) from each other by the free ends 44 b of the engagement portion 44.That is, the clamp body 40 itself serves as a spacer.

[0130] Note that the clamp body 40 is formed such that when the inclinededges 44 a press the pair of inclined plate portions 38 to move the pairof frame members A2 toward each other, the base plate portion 41 andrising plate 42 of the clamp body 40 will not abut the concavity-bottomplate portion 37, namely, the base plate portion 31 will not abut thefree ends 44 b.

[0131] Also, the corner formed between the inclined edge 44 a and end 14b of the engagement portion 44 is shaped to define some space with acorner formed between the base plate portion 31 and inclined plateportion 38 of the frame member A2. Namely, the space is provided toallow free flow of any water or dust, if any, at the corner formedbetween the base plate portion 31 and inclined plate portion 38.

[0132] The aforementioned fastener includes a bolt 45 which can beinserted through the through-hole 43 in the clamp body 40 (hex. sockethead bolt, for example) and a nut 46. It may be any one which couldsecurely couple the pair of clamp bodies 40 and force the latter towardeach other.

[0133] Note that the nut 46 may be a one which can be received betweenthe pair of rising plate portions 42 of the clamp body 40 and thusblocked against rotation by the rising plate portions 42.

[0134] The reference C indicates a joint member to couple adjacent framemembers A2. The joint member C is formed from a thick metal plate, forexample. The joint member C has a plurality (four, for example) ofinternally threaded holes 50 formed at predetermined intervalslongitudinally of the joint member C. Also, the joint member C is shapedto have such a cross section as nearly fits the profile, nearer to theconcavity-bottom plate portion 37, of the concavity 36. Moreparticularly, the joint member C has inclined lateral edges which are incontact with the pair of inclined plate portions 38 when it is placednearer to the concavity-bottom plate portion 37 of the concavity 36.

[0135] More specifically, the joint member C is so shaped as to stablybe inserted into the concavity 36 of the frame member A2 and that whenthe concavity-bottom plate portion 37 of the concavity 36 is pressed bythe end of a fixing screw 51 screwed into the internally threaded hole50, the joint member C can be fixed to the frame member A2 with theinclined lateral edges thereof being in closed contact with the inclinedplate portions 38 of the concavity 36, whereby the adjacent frames A2can be coupled to each other accurately and positively without beingdisplaced relatively to each other.

[0136] Note that the joint member C is shaped to define some space withthe corner formed between the concavity-bottom plate portion 37 andinclined plate portion 38 (of the concavity 36) of the frame member A2.Namely, the space is provided to allow free flow of any water or dust,if any, at the corner formed between the concavity-bottom plate portion37 and inclined plate portion 38 of the concavity 36. It should be notedhere that also the coupling projections 12 should preferably be formedsimilarly to the joint member C.

[0137] The track rail D to be attached to the above-mentioned framemember A2 is formed from an appropriately elastic synthetic resin. Thetrack rail D is attached to the frame member A2 to cover thelongitudinal free edges of the bent plate portions 32 and doubling plate33. Also, the track rail D is flexible correspondingly to the curvedstate of the bent plate portions 32 and folded plate portion 33 and incontact with the conveyor chain E to assure a smoother sliding of theconveyor chain E on the track rail D.

[0138] Note here that the following are not limited to theaforementioned and illustrated ones but may be appropriately set andmodified without departing from the scope, defined by claims givenlater, of the present invention:

[0139] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions and material of theframe member A2;

[0140] Concrete construction, shape, angle relative to the base plateportion 31;

[0141] Concrete construction, shape and dimensions of the bent plateportions 32;

[0142] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions and location of thefolded plate portion 33;

[0143] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, location, interval andnumber of the cuts 35;

[0144] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, location and number ofthe through-holes 36;

[0145] Concrete construction, shape and dimensions of theconcavity-bottom plate portion 37;

[0146] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions and disposed state ofthe inclined plate portions 38;

[0147] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions and material of thecoupling clamp B;

[0148] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, material, location andnumber of the clamp bodies 40;

[0149] Concrete construction, shape and dimensions of the base plateportion 41;

[0150] Concrete construction, shape and dimensions of the rising plateportions 42;

[0151] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, location and number ofthe through-holes 43;

[0152] Concrete construction, shape and dimensions of the engagementportions 44;

[0153] Concrete construction, shape and dimensions of the inclined edges44 a;

[0154] Concrete construction, shape and dimensions of the free ends 44b;

[0155] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions and material of thefastener;

[0156] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions and material of thejoint member C;

[0157] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, location and number ofthe internally threaded holes 50;

[0158] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, material, and number ofthe fixing screws 51; and

[0159] Concrete construction, shape, dimensions, and material of thetrack rail D.

[0160] Note that the frame member A1 (A2) may be formed by extrusionmolding of aluminum, for example. In this case, an engagement step 9 a(39 a) and engagement concavity 9 b (39 b) are formed on the upper orlower side of the bent plate portions 2 (32), as shown in FIG. 10, forthe engagement projections on the track rail D to engage on such step orconcavity simply and positively.

[0161] Also, the track rail D may be attached to the frame member A1(A2) by directing the opening of the track rail D toward the boundarybetween the bent plate portion 2 (32) and folded plate portion 3 (33) ofthe frame member A1 (A2) (or the longitudinal end of the bent plateportion 2 (32)) and forcibly pressing the track rail D until theengagement projection engages the end of the folded plate portion 3 (33)(or the engagement projection 9 a (39 a) and engagement concavity 9 b(39 b)). Otherwise, the track rail D may be attached by inserting thelongitudinal end thereof from the longitudinal end of the boundarybetween the bent plate portion 2 (32) and folded plate portion 3 (33) ofthe frame member A1 (A2) (or the longitudinal edge of the bent plateportion 2 (32)).

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0162] As having been described in the foregoing, solving the problemthat the conventional frame member making up a curved track portion of aconveyer system cannot be deformed easily and positively to a desiredcurved shape, the present invention provides a track frame assembly forguiding a conveyor chain in the conveyor system, highly lightweight andrigid, simply configured, easy to produce and suitable for massproduction, easy to handle and assemble, and optimally usable as acurved track portion in the conveyor system.

1. A track frame assembly for guiding a conveyor chain in a conveyorsystem, the assembly comprising: at least a pair of frame members; acoupling block to couple the pair of frame members to each other; andsynthetic resin-made track rails fitted on each frame member and withwhich the conveyor chain is in sliding contact; each of the framemembers being formed as a channel having a generally bracket-shapedsection and consisting of an elongated base plate portion and a pair ofelongated bent plate portions joined to opposite longitudinal edges,respectively, of the base plate portion and extending generallyperpendicularly to the base plate portion; each of the bent plateportions having a plurality of cuts formed therein generallyperpendicularly to the length thereof at predetermined intervals; andthe cuts being deformed, and bent plate portions being bent in thedirection of their width, when the base plate portion is bent in thedirection of its thickness.
 2. A track frame assembly for guiding aconveyor chain in a conveyor system, the assembly comprising: at least apair of frame members; a coupling block to couple the pair of framemembers to each other; and synthetic resin-made track rails fitted oneach frame member and with which the conveyor chain is in slidingcontact; each of the frame members being formed as a channel having agenerally bracket-shaped section and consisting of an elongated baseplate portion and a pair of elongated bent plate portions joined toopposite longitudinal edges, respectively, of the base plate portion andextending generally perpendicularly to the base plate portion; one ofthe bent plate portions having joined to the lateral end thereof anelongated folded plate portion extending toward the base plate portion,and each of the bent plate portions and folded plate portion having aplurality of cuts formed therein generally perpendicularly to the lengththereof at predetermined intervals; and the cuts being deformed, andbent plate portions and folded plate portion being bent in the directionof their width, when the base plate portion is bent in the direction ofits thickness.
 3. A track frame assembly for guiding a conveyor chain ina conveyor system, the assembly comprising: at least a pair of framemembers; a coupling block to couple the pair of frame members to eachother; synthetic resin-made track rails fitted on each frame member andwith which the conveyor chain is in sliding contact; and an elongatedreinforcing plate pre-bent in the direction of its width; each of theframe members being formed as a channel having a generallybracket-shaped section and consisting of an elongated base plate portionand a pair of elongated bent plate portions joined to oppositelongitudinal edges, respectively, of the base plate portion andextending generally perpendicularly to the base plate portion; one ofthe bent plate portions having joined to the lateral end thereof anelongated folded plate portion extending toward the base plate portion,and each of the bent plate portions and folded plate portion having aplurality of cuts formed therein generally perpendicularly to the lengththereof at predetermined intervals; the cuts being deformed, and bentplate portions and folded plate portion being bent in the direction oftheir width, when the base plate portion is bent in the direction of itsthickness; each track rail being configured for fitting on one of thebent plate portions and folded plate portion to cover their longitudinaledges, and flexible correspondingly to the curved state of the bentplate portion and folded plate portion; and a reinforcing plate pre-bentin the direction of its width being fixed on the other bent plateportion.
 4. A track frame assembly for guiding a conveyor chain in aconveyor system, the assembly comprising: a pair of frame members; acoupling clamp to couple the pair of frame members to each other; andsynthetic resin-made track rails fitted on each frame member and withwhich the conveyor chain is in sliding contact; each of the framemembers being formed as a channel having a generally bracket-shapedsection and consisting of an elongated base plate portion and a pair ofelongated bent plate portions joined to opposite longitudinal edges,respectively, of the base plate portion and extending generallyperpendicularly to the base plate portion; the base plate portion havinga concavity formed longitudinally, extending to positions of the bentplate portions and consisting of a pair of elongated inclined plateportions extending gradually divergent as they go toward theirrespective ends and an elongated concavity-bottom plate portion disposedto connect the ends of the pair of inclined plate portions; each of thebent plate portions having joined to the longitudinal edge thereof anelongated folded plate portion extending toward the base plate portion,and a plurality of cuts being formed at predetermined intervals in, andgenerally perpendicularly to the length of, the bent plate portions,folded plate portions, inclined plate portions and concavity-bottomplate portion; and the cuts being deformed, bent plate portions, foldedplate portions and inclined plate portions being bent in the directionof their width, and the concavity-bottom plate portion being bent in thedirection of its thickness, when the base plate portion is bent in thedirection of its thickness.
 5. A track frame assembly for guiding aconveyor chain in a conveyor system, the assembly comprising: a pair offrame members; a coupling clamp to couple the pair of frame members toeach other; and synthetic resin-made track rails fitted on each framemember and with which the conveyor chain is in sliding contact; each ofthe frame members being formed as a channel having a generallybracket-shaped section and consisting of an elongated base plate portionand a pair of elongated bent plate portions joined to oppositelongitudinal edges, respectively, of the base plate portion andextending generally perpendicularly to the base plate portion; the baseplate portion having a concavity formed longitudinally, extending topositions of the bent plate portions and consisting of a pair ofelongated inclined plate portions extending gradually divergent as theygo toward their respective ends and an elongated concavity-bottom plateportion disposed to connect the ends of the pair of inclined plateportions; each of the bent plate portions having joined to thelongitudinal edge thereof an elongated folded plate portion extendingtoward the base plate portion, and a plurality of cuts being formed atpredetermined intervals in, and generally perpendicularly to the lengthof, the bent plate portions, folded plate portions, inclined plateportions and concavity-bottom plate portion; the cuts being deformed,bent plate portions, folded plate portions and inclined plate portionsbeing bent in the direction of their width, and the concavity-bottomplate portion being bent in the direction of its thickness, when thebase plate portion is bent in the direction of its thickness; and eachtrack rail being configured for fitting on the bent plate portion andfolded plate portion to cover their longitudinal edges, and flexiblecorrespondingly to the curved state of the bent plate portion and foldedplate portion.
 6. The track frame assembly according to claim 4 or 5,wherein: the coupling clamp includes a pair of clamps and a fastener tocouple the pair of clamps by attracting them toward each other; and eachof the clamps has formed at either end thereof an engagement portion tocatch each bottom corner of the concavity of each of the pair of framemembers.